Thinking about a "resurfacing" shoulder replacement? Think twice!

Are you considering having a “resurfacing” shoulder replacement? Think twice!

I am often contacted by young patients with severe shoulder arthritis that are interested in learning about their shoulder replacement options. Many of these patients have been advised by other orthopaedic surgeons that they should consider a resurfacing shoulder replacement. This is a type of partial shoulder replacement that involves placing a metal cap over the worn-out bone on the ball of the shoulder. Some orthopaedic surgeons advocate this as being “minimally invasive” and of course that sounds great to patients. But here is the problem: Just because a procedure is “less invasive” does not mean that it works well. Unfortunately, that is the case with these resurfacing operations. Recent research studies have shown that these operations are much more likely to lead to a painful shoulder, and much more likely to need to be re-done. 

A recent study found that 10% of resurfacing procedures needed to be re-done within four years. That is a very high number, and a considerable disability for the patients that have to go through a second shoulder replacement in such a short time.

I encourage young patients with severe shoulder arthritis to consider the “Ream and Run” procedure. I believe this operation provides a much better long term result.